Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mitchell Smith. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Mitchell, thanks for joining us today. Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?

Naming my business Art Elevation’s Studio was not as challenging as creating a perfect logo. However, the story behind my business name is simple. I needed a name that represented the simplicity and complexity that serves as building blocks for creating art and design. My company covers a variety of opportunities for Illustrators, Interior Designers, Architects, Industrial Designers, Engineering Designers, Scenic Designers and even Fine Artists. I was always interested in how art compositions worked. Why do some artworks please the eyes, excite the heart, and stimulates the mind? I’m always drawn back to the principles and elements of art. The merging of these fundamental simplicities communicates to me on different levels. Therefore, my company main goals are to teach the design elements and principles of art. It does not matter if the person is a professional, beginner, or has a disability. By understanding how these basic art qualities work together my students will be able to elevate their artistic skill on a much higher level than before. Art Elevation’s Studio is an umbrella that brings together a range of possibilities for people who like to create art.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I always loved to draw at a very young age. I’m an active-duty military officer and I reached my twilight years in my navy career. I created a company for individuals who have interest in art and design. I taught art for years before I join the U.S Navy and I’m circling back to that field with more experience and a world view on art perspective. I’m always practicing and creating artwork from landscapes, portraitures, figure and still life drawings while serving my country. I developed numerous ways to teach the many design elements of art to individuals who think they do not have the talent to draw or paint. Additionally, I taught individuals who has been diagnosed with some form of disability and taught them how to create art. Many has shared with me how this allows them to grow and advance in everyday life. For instance, one of my students has Autism/ADHD and by learning art has benefited his life in a major way. He is expressing himself more in a positive way by creating a body of artwork that will display in his first art show this year 2025. His purpose is being fulfilled and a problem is being solved in his life that is permitting him to be more independent in this society. No matter what field of art and design the client’s interest are, my company provides the tools that will enhance their art career or their experiences become therapeutic in their daily living. I love creating personal artwork and selling it to people that admires and collects fine art. I believed that an art instructor should always practice and stay active in what one teaches. What set me apart from other is the one-on-one art instructions. I meet-up with my art student(s) in various locations in San Diego Ca. The landscape classes consist of Balboa Park, Japanese garden, Sunset Cliff, Coronado Island and much more. If the weather does not permit, then we will precede to a local library or a Zoom class. I’m proud in making others successful in their life. By teaching a student on how to handle art materials, drawing or painting will help them develop art that’s pleasing to the eye. When students learn how to organize their thoughts and gain the will to do more is gratifying to me. Also, my brand is a gift because it offers individuals the foundations of creating art, by examining examples of professional artists and famous art images. Most importantly teaching them how to practice art in such a way improves their daily living.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

My first two years in art college were very challenging but it made me resilient. I was a full-time student and I worked two jobs to help pay for college. My art professors knew that I was a great art student, but I was always exhausted from work. Therefore, my classwork and grades were affected by working two jobs. I remember getting off work from my second job FedEx at 3:30am, rushing home to complete art projects for my 3-D design class that was due at 10:00am that morning. My instructor wondered why I’m always tired and dosing off in class. My junior year I made a very tough decision to resign from both jobs and only focus on my college courses. There was many hungry days and nights in the studio as I pushed through my hardship. If I was not in my studio, I was in the library researching and reading scholarly journals and books. Those days where very emotional but it made me tougher as I experienced the light at the end of the tunnel. When the end of the semester came around, I had a very strong body of artwork, and I achieved the Dean list. I will always remember those days facing obstacles and being grateful of the many achievements.

Have you ever had to pivot?

When I graduated from Memphis College of Art, I stayed very proactive in the arts but later pivot to a new career. I taught art classes to children and adults in a basement studio of the Midtown Flea Market across from the old Sears tower which was later renovated and rename the Crosstown Concourse a facility that is filled with art and music events in Memphis Tennessee. I Also, held an art exhibit in my basement studio that featured well-known artists like Bernard W. Brooks, Mary E. Mudiku and more. I taught art summer classes to kids and an evening adult art classes at Memphis College of Art. I participated in numerous art events around the city of Memphis. As I was establishing myself as an artist, I visited Howard University and applied for their Master program for the Fine Art Painting program and got accepted. However, it was not feasible to go at that time. So, I made a hard decision to join the military to serve my country and earn benefits to attend a master’s degree program.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://artelevationstudio.com
• Instagram: art_elevations_studio
• Other: [email protected]

Image Credits

Jason Reyes